At a special sitting of the Court at Woodford, north of Brisbane, His Honour Justice Reeves of the Federal Court made the determination giving the Jinibara people non-exclusive rights to the land.

The claim covers parcels of land within the Sunshine Coast, Moreton, Brisbane and Somerset local government areas - including land in and around Maleny and over the Glasshouse Mountains National Park and Mapleton National Park.

Filing for the claim in 1998, the decision formally acknowledges the rights of the Jinibara People to camp, hunt, fish and gather in the area, maintain areas of significance and conduct ceremonies in accordance with their traditional laws and customs.

Uncle Noel Blair, one of two native title applicants, said he didn't celebrate until the court had made the decision official.

"I never thought I'd live to see this day," he told AAP.

"There were plenty of times we thought it would never happen.

"Our lawyer told us a few months ago we were set to get native title and I welled up a bit, but I didn't want to get too excited."

Mr Blair said he hoped the determination could be used to benefit the community at large, particularly in creating an appreciation for indigenous culture.

"We've all worked together to get this far, so let's keep working together for this to benefit all of the community," he told AAP.

The Queensland Government says it won't affect public access to water or national parks.

Kevin Murphy from the Department of Natural Resources says the decision delivers a number of important rights.

"Those rights will include the right to camp, and live on and move around the areas to hunt and fish and gather and take natural resources from the area and they're at liberty to conduct rituals and ceremonies and maintain various sites, objects or places and other areas of significance," says Mr Murphy.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has congratulated the Jinibara People on the formal recognition of their native title rights.

"This has been a long process, the group has worked hard for this decision - and I congratulate everyone on their efforts.

"Council looks forward to a continuing good relationship with the Jinibara People following this important day," said Mayor Jamieson.